5-Warning Signs, You Might Have a Drinking Problem

For many people, an addiction to alcohol can be somewhat of a surprise. It's not a dependency that happens immediately, it progresses and builds over time. Sometimes it's difficult to see the signs before it's too late. Addiction is a progressive disease, so to become aware of it is not usually so obvious. So how can you recognize whether or not you or a loved one might have a problem with drinking? Read on to see if you can relate to any of these 5 warning signs. 

Drinking alone and in secrecy

If you drink by yourself, this can be a warning sign that something's wrong. This doesn't mean that you have a beer at your house occasionally when no one's around, but getting extremely drunk when you're alone. If you're drinking in secret and hiding it from others, that may suggest there's a problem. It might be clear that there's an issue, even to you, otherwise, you wouldn't feel the need to hide it.

Losing interest in other activities that were once enjoyable

Addiction to alcohol can also take the joy out of other activities. This means that you only feel happy when you can get a drink, or when you're participating in activities that involve drinking. Alcohol consumption can also be a depressant, so it may affect your mood and lead you to feel depressed. While alcohol can initially offer that “buzz” it can also impact your ability to feel joy and excitement when you’re not drinking. 

Alcohol cravings

If you start noticing that you are craving alcohol, this is a dangerous warning sign. People don't need alcohol to function, and constantly feeling a need to drink is a problem. Typically, people can go through their days without needing a drink to feel like they can function, so if you're starting to crave alcohol or believing that you need alcohol to function properly it may be a sign of addiction.

Making drinking a priority over responsibilities, such as employment and family

If you're ditching your other priorities in favor of drinking, this can be a sign of addiction. For example, if you know that you need to be at work early the following morning but you still choose to drink to excess regardless of the ensuing hangover, you're treating alcohol like it's more important than other aspects of your life. If your alcohol consumption is negatively impacting your relationships with friends and family, but you continue to drink anyway, you may want to consider that impact.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

If you find that your body is reacting badly to the lack of alcohol, it's time to take a hard look at your relationship with alcohol. It's not normal and potentially dangerous to start sweating, shaking, or having anxiety attacks as a direct effect of the lack of alcohol. Withdrawal signs may require further medical attention and pose a risk for addiction. 

If you are worried that you or a loved one might be addicted to alcohol, it can come as a shock and you might not know what to do next. If you do recognize a problem, the best thing you can do is to seek support. Recovery from alcohol addiction starts with making the first step of accepting you need help. 12-step support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous might be a good place to start. Inpatient treatment or a rehab facility might be an option for you if you recognize you are needing more support. 

**** Written for Meridian Counseling by: Saba Kerendian, AMFT  Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 88936)

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